Manchester City winger has new loan deal set up as Spanish club prepare to offload him

Marlos Moreno is poised to remain in Spain even if Deportivo La Coruña decide not to use their option to extend his loan from Manchester City for a second year.

Deportivo only have three places in their squad for non-European players and, with two of those occupied by Sidnei and Celso Borges, the signing of another non-European player would mean another loan for Moreno would be impossible. And the Galician club are hopeful of bringing in Uruguay under-18 midfielder Federico Valverde from Real Madrid Castilla, which would leave no place for Marlos unless Sidnei or Borges were sold – unlikely events.

However, El Desmarque reports that the 20-year-old Colombian, who City signed last year for £4.75 million, has no need to worry if Deportivo opt not to retain him, because Girona FC will be waiting for him with open arms.

The newly-promoted Catalan side have a close working relationship with Man City that has seen the Blues send players on loan there, some of them signed specifically to strengthen Girona as they sought promotion to Spain’s top flight. And the likelihood is that Moreno will be heading there unless of any hitches in Deportivo’s move to sign Valverde.

Moreno has failed to live up to expectations since arriving from Atlético Nacional, struggling to adapt to European football, but is still a player with much potential and the hope will be that his second year on the continent is an improvement on the first.